Iran: Christians at ‘heightened risk’

Christians may be at particular risk in Iran at the moment, a Christian organisation says.

Elam Ministries is calling on believers to pray for Iran during the current “significant and uncertain moment,” with the nation experiencing turbulence which could put Christians at “heightened risk”.

The organisation, which works to support Iran’s Christians, says the country’s currency value has plummeted and living conditions are worsening, prompting protests, calling for regime change, in at least 78 cities. Thousands of demonstrators are believed to have been killed in a bloody crackdown by the authorities, with many more being arrested.

Elam Executive Director David Yeghnazar told en that after decades of suffering, a “deep longing for justice and freedom” is shared by many, including Iran’s Christians.

He said: “We support the right of people to protest peacefully, and we grieve the great suffering that so often accompanies these times … We pray now as we have always prayed: that God would grant Iran righteous rulers who will serve the people of the nation.”

Asked about whether the unrest is likely to have an impact on believers, Yeghnazar said: “There is potential for this season of unrest to have implications for Christians and other minority groups.

“The Iranian regime is seeking to blame external powers for the current unrest, and as a result, anyone they perceive to be aligned with their enemies is at heightened risk. This includes Christian converts, whom the authorities often, and incorrectly, associate with Zionism. If arrested, such individuals may face particularly harsh treatment.”